Top performers from second annual Friday Night Lights Showcase

Jeremy Johnsonby:Jeremy Johnson04/01/23

JeremyO_Johnson

Last year Friday Night Lights was a lightning rod for many of the current stars in the Atlanta Metro area. The event is run by former NFL player and Atlanta trainer Hilton Alexander who also is known as RouteKing.

Major prospects like Mike Matthews, Air Noland, Jadan Baugh, Ryan Ghea, and Judd Anderson all made statements back in April of 2023.

On Friday night, a new crop of players stepped into the spotlight. The event was again hosted at Douglas County High School and again sprouted a new crop of impact players.

Here are the players that shined on Friday night.

On3 MVP ATH Darren Coleman (2024)

Darren Coleman showed up at the camp with a statement to make. It was heard loudly. Coleman was awarded the overall MVP for the event. This reporter agreed with that assessment.

Coleman played both wide receiver and cornerback on Friday night. He also showed off some big-time burst and wiggle as a wide receiver.

He made a few impressive catches on deep balls that brought out some ‘ohs and ahs’ from the group. Coleman also showcased his route-running ability. He spun a defensive back around and snagged a nice catch on a curl route during one on ones.

Coleman also showed off his defensive back skills. He’d been considered a wide receiver coming into the event. Coleman also showed stout coverage skills and an ability to make up ground and play the football throughout the night.

It was difficult to find a rep that he lost or a rep where he was out of position.

Coleman is entering his first season at Central Gwinnett after spending three years at Grayson.

Coleman holds offers from UAB, Arkansas State, and Morehouse. He’s also seen a bit of interest as of late and that could continue to grow this offseason.

Highlights of his performance also made their way to Twitter.

2. CB Draden Fullbright (2026)

Steady was the name of Jesup (Ga.) Wayne County cornerback Draden Fullbright. All-night coaches asked, “who is that guy with the ski mask”. The 6-foot, 170-pound defender showed up sporting a ski mask and Georgia gloves on Friday night. Fullbright rarely got beat and when he was a late swipe at the football created an incompletion.

Fullbright has offers from Georgia, Florida State, and Kentucky with multiple major programs also taking a look. The ability is obvious.

Fullbright was smooth in coverage all night. The thing that kept coming up with how much room Fullbright has for growth. He’s been playing running back for most of his career.

3. WR Aaron Gregory (2026)

Augusta (Ga.) Augusta Christian 2026 wideout Aaron Gregory is quickly establishing himself around the country. He showed up to the Orlando Under Armour Camp and took home On3’s MVP.

Gregory was again impressive. He glides. Gregory also stands out with his size. He catches the football with his hands and also never backed down from anyone. He was regularly challenged by older defenders. Gregory also has mature makeup. He will be a name to know in what’s shaping up to be an electric 2026 class in Georgia.

4. WR Jovanni McGee (2025)

Fairnburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes 2025 wide receiver Jovanni McGee has had the reputation of being a playmaker around the Atlanta area for some time. He put up a strong sophomore campaign as a sophomore on the loaded Langston Hughes squad in 2022.

McGee grabbed 42 receptions for 511 yards and nine touchdowns while sharing the load with four-stars Terrance Love and Jelani Thurman in an offense powered by a four-star signal caller in Noland.

McGee figures to be a centerpiece in 2023. His recruitment will likely take off as well. McGee took a step toward making a statement on Friday night. He zigged and zagged and beat defenders in every way possible.

McGee is explosive but also has some ability to get out of the proverbial phone booth. He’s a playmaker to know going into the 2023 football season in Georgia.

5. CB Jordan Toney (2024)

Atlanta (Ga.) Hapeville Charter cornerback Jordan Toney turned heads all night with his sheer size. Toney moves well at 6-foot-4, possibly taller.

He made a few breaks up way down the football. Toney moved well in drills as well and changed directions like a smaller man.

6. QB Bryce Clavon (2024)

Marietta (Ga.) Kell Bryce Clavon was one of the big playmakers in the Atlanta area in 2022. He put up 3,400 plus yards of total offense and accounted for 39 total touchdowns.

Clavon is considered a major baseball prospect but football is also in the mix. He showed off his arm a good bit on Friday night regularly hitting receivers in stride and also being able to throw the ball as far as he wanted to allow for multiple routes to be run.

7. QB Dylan Mayers (2024)

Atlanta (Ga.) Lovett quarterback Dylan Mayers has been turning heads all offseason. He earned the top quarterback award on Friday night.

Mayers’ was applauded for his footwork and ball placement. He’s not the starter on his high school team but there is major upside with Mayers and he grabbed the attention of all the coaches on the field on Friday night.

8. WR Xavier Daisy (2024)

Suwanee (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian wide receiver Xavier Daisy turned a lot of heads with his size and explosiveness.

He stands 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. He’s caught the football softly with his hands all night. He also showed speed to run by defensive backs all night. Samford and Troy have shown early interest.

9. CB Jacob Boyce (2024)

Douglasville (Ga.) Douglas County High School 2024 cornerback Jacob Boyce was again strong in his technique. He drew praise as he broke up multiple passes in one on ones.

10. Noah Brown (2025)

Powder Spring (Ga.) Noah Brown consistently made circus catches on Friday night. He also showed explosive releases and strong hands.

Five others to know

Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake 2025 WR Travis Smith

Athens (Ga.) Clarke Central 2024 WR Jaden Cofer

Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes 2026 QB Darnell Kelly

Fairburn (Ga.) Landmark Christian 2026 CB Blake Stewart

Buford (Ga.) 2027 athlete Kevin Hughes Jr.